6 Playa del Carmen Restaurants Where You Can Dine on the Beach

No more than five minutes had passed since the waitress had taken our orders and my son was already making “sand angels” on the beach, while my daughter played on the swings nearby.

It was our first night on vacation in Playa del Carmen, and as part of our family tradition we found a charming beachside restaurant for dinner. Shoes off and feet nestled in the sand, for us dining on the beach always signals the beginning of a great family vacation.

Photo Courtesy of Sarah Fazendin

Here are a few of my family’s favorite places to dine right on the beach in Playa del Carmen. I hope you get a chance to enjoy them too!

1) Zenzi

Photo Courtesy of Zenzi

Zenzi is right in the heart of the city and easily walkable almost anywhere in downtown Playa del Carmen. Their dinner menu includes fresh salads, Ahi tuna, ceviches, as well as hearty burgers and steaks.

Beginning at 5 pm every day they play live music, including reggae, salsa, rock, and 70’s music. This beachfront Playa del Carmen restaurant also shows international sporting events, making Zenzi a great place to catch a soccer or football game while you’re on vacation.

2) Fusion

Photo Courtesy of Fusion

If you’re craving a good, old-fashioned burger, be sure to check out Fusion, a great little restaurant attached to a hotel of the same name.

If your kids are older, stick around after dinner for the daily shows and entertainment, including music, belly dancing, a fire show (a Riviera Maya specialty!), and every Sunday join a rotating group of DJs for house music on the beach.

3) Wah Wah Bar

Wah Wah Bar has two very different vibes. Inside, you’ll find a large bar and music venue under a soaring thatched roof. Outside is the calmer, more family-friendly restaurant on the beach.

They’re known for their extensive brick oven pizza menu, and don’t miss their signature smoked fish dip. They often hold dining events including pig roasts, pizza specials, and holiday celebrations. Be sure to visit their Facebook page for the latest details and information.

4) Indigo Beach

Photo Courtesy of Indigo Beach Club

Indigo beach is one of your more upscale options in Playa del Carmen. Like many of the restaurants on the beach in Playa del Carmen, it’s a full-service beach club offering food and drink service in their restaurant and on the beach.

In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Indigo beach has an extensive take-out menu if you’d prefer to grab dinner at home after a day of sand and sun. Grab tacos, ceviches or a few pizzas to go, or stick around for a lovely grilled surf and turf menu.

5) Canibal Royal

Photo Courtesy of Maya del Carmen

Located in a very newly developed area of Playa del Carmen, Canibal Royal is certainly outside of the main Playa del Carmen downtown area.

Because Canibal Royal often hosts local and international DJs on site, it’s a little less kid-friendly than other options closer to downtown. With a very hip atmosphere and retro décor, Canibal royal is a fun place to head for happy hour or dinner if you can sneak away for a date night.

On the menu here you’ll find yummy small plates and lots of freshly grilled seafood.

6) Pavo Real by the Sea

If you’re looking for a private, gourmet foodie dining experience, be sure to visit Pavo by the Sea. This French restaurant is a great option for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions.

You’ll need to drive or take a taxi to get here from Playa del Carmen, as it’s located a few miles north of the city, but with plenty of parking and easily accessible taxis, getting to Pavo is not complicated.

Does your family have a favorite restaurant in Playa del Carmen? Let us know about it in the comments below!

About Sarah Fazendin

Denver-based travel blogger Sarah Fazendin has spent her entire career in luxury travel, adventuring in style across 30+ countries. These days, she keeps busy juggling work, a couple of kids, and a head-spinning daily schedule, but still makes plenty of time for vacation.